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DoD evaluates forces, develops plan to shape for future — New tool helps command plan for QDRThe 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review is already underway and will consider four focus areas that will drive capabilities development and force planning: building partnerships to defeat terrorist extremist networks, defending the homeland in depth, shaping the choices of countries at strategic crossroads and preventing the acquisition or use of weapons of mass destruction by hostile state or non-state actors.

PETERSON AFB, Colo. — A Department of Defense program is looking at its forces to propose how to best shape them for future roles.

The 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review is already underway and will consider four focus areas that will drive capabilities development and force planning: building partnerships to defeat terrorist extremist networks, defending the homeland in depth, shaping the choices of countries at strategic crossroads and preventing the acquisition or use of weapons of mass destruction by hostile state or non-state actors.

“While the QDR is being led by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, each of the services is playing a key role in the review,” said Col. Robert Rego, AFSPC Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the director of Plans and Programs.

“For us in Air Force Space Command it’s about providing tailored and responsive space capabilities. Space is inherently global, providing capabilities to combatant commanders across the full spectrum of conflict. If we get it right we will be more secure and less likely to fight,” said Lt. Gen. Dan Leaf, vice commander, Air Force Space Command.

Throughout this process, each service will explain its ability to meet the combatant commanders’ warfighting requirements in reference to the four focus areas named earlier. To aid in this process the command plans and programs analysis division developed a Space Capabilities Mapping Tool.

“We realized space systems and capabilities were not well understood across the Air Force or the other services. As a result, we developed the SCMT to help decision makers better understand the value of space systems and capabilities,” said Col. Thomas Walker, AFSPC Space Analysis Division chief.

The tool’s utility is two-fold.

“It facilitates first-order determination of space contributions to a given problem or issue and as an evolving tool, it can be used as a framework to explore more comprehensive QDR planning efforts,” said Colonel Walker.

“The goal is to get the most bang for the buck while at the same time meeting the warfighters’ full range of requirements. Obviously a high priority is providing these capabilities while at the same time minimizing duplication,” said Colonel Walker.

The QDR will formulate how to best shape the services to ensure they work together in direct support of national security efforts.

“We’re one big team and everyone has a role. We’ll only be able to provide for the common defense if we play as a team – leveraging off the strengths of each service while at the same time reducing duplication,” said General Leaf.

The QDR will take a 20-year outlook and is expected to be submitted to Congress early next year.

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